For many years, the dates for the observance of National Women’s History Week changed, and every year a new lobbying effort was needed.
By 1986, 14 states had declared March as National Women’s History Month and this momentum and state-by-state action was used as the rational to lobby Congress to declare the entire month of March as National Women’s History Month.
In 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month in perpetuity and a special Presidential Proclamation is issued every year which honors the extraordinary achievements of American women.
Women in the workforce at Gulf Power Company are sharing their thoughts throughout the month of March in celebration of National Women’s History Month.
Tracy Andrews, Chipley Office Manager for Gulf Power, shares a lesson she learned, ‘The greatest lesson I’ve learned was coming to terms with who I am and being true to myself’.
Recently singled out by Gulf Power Company as Chipley, Florida’s first African-American city councilwoman and Gulf Power’s first female African-American local manager, Tracy is at once dynamic and reserved, and has a long history of involvement in the community, the city, county and region.
She continues, ‘When you are true to yourself, you are able to embrace your strengths, weaknesses, passions, limitations and purpose in life. I’m reminded of a quote by Dr. Seuss, “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you”.’
Tracy finishes, ‘God has wonderfully made all of us, and given us individual qualities to accomplish all things which can only be done when you are true to yourself’.
Election in 2017 to the City of Chipley, Florida City Council was the result of hard work, steadfast resolve and simple shoe leather, as Andrews engaged the community in dialogue, illustrating her interpersonal skills and espousing her desire for ‘what is right’.
Thank you, Tracy, for what you bring to the community and for your service to Northwest Florida.
